§ Mr. SimpsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the involvement of the British Government in the promotion of British business interests in the reconstruction of central Beirut.
§ Mr. NeedhamWorking in close collaboration with the British embassy in Beirut we have, through a series of promotional events and other activities, ensured that United Kingdom business is fully aware of the opportunities arising from the reconstruction of Beirut. This has included support for trade missions, the "Rebuild Lebanon", and other exhibitions, which have the reconstruction of Beirut as one of their themes. British commercial interests have also been promoted during ministerial visits which have included business men from the UK construction sector.
§ Mr. SimpsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on economic relations between the UK and Lebanon.
§ Mr. NeedhamSince the end of the civil war, our trade and economic links with the Lebanon have grown steadily; in 1994 our exports reached £138 million. The Lebanese Prime Minister visited the UK in January 1994 and there are regular contacts at ministerial and official level involving economic and trade issues. I look forward to the continuing and mutually beneficial growth in these links.